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The News in Brief

Friday, February 23, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili Urges NATO to Define Clear Criteria for Georgia's Accession

Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili, while presenting the one-year work report to the Parliament, stated that the North Atlantic Alliance should follow the European Union's example and provide clear criteria for Georgia's accession, as the European Union has done.

"Georgia is not competing with anyone on the way to the European Union, which is what the opposition consistently tries to show, but without achieving any outcome. According to the majority of objective parameters, Georgia still maintains a lead over many EU candidate countries. However, achieving superiority over others is not our primary goal. Our main objective is EU membership.

It would be desirable for NATO to follow the example of the European Union and offer Georgia clear criteria for membership. Fulfillment of these criteria would bring our country closer to the North Atlantic Alliance, as it happened in the case of the European Union," Papuashvili said.



Government to Lower Loan Interest for 150,000+ Pensioners

The government administration's press service announced a decision to reduce loan interest for over 150,000 pensioners.

"The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, met with Natia Turnava, the Acting President of the National Bank, and Beka Gogichaishvili, the General Director of Liberty Bank. According to the decision made at the meeting, the loan interest rate for over 150,000 pensioners who obtained loans before 2023 will be reduced to match the interest rate established from 2023 onwards," the statement reads.

According to the press service, it was mentioned at the meeting that Liberty Bank will continue to work with the National Bank on the implementation part and specific details. While discussing the issue, Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized the importance of starting the next phase on time and ensuring that pensioners can benefit from the updated conditions.